Waiting for the results of a COVID-19 test can be frustrating for individuals and businesses alike. That delay can now be eliminated as Gillette’s one-hour first drive-thru rapid testing location is now open.
Located at the intersection of Douglas Highway and Edwards Street in the former fire station building, WyoLabs LLC has multiple testing options depending on wants, needs, and financial situation.
The timing is convenient for the city and county as Curative, the temporary testing location across Gillette Avenue from the courthouse is likely closing its doors in the immediate future as CARES Act funding has been depleted as of last week, Ivy McGowan-Castleberry, Department of Public Health response coordinator confirmed Friday.
WyoLabs is a Wyoming-owned business partnered with nationally-renowned laboratory SynergyDx. It’s designed to provide all Covid-19 testing for companies and residents in the state.
Amid ever-evolving Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, and with different vaccine mandates looming, and in the courts, the lasting effects of the pandemic for businesses big and small are struggling with staffing.
This new addition to the community will provide citizens and employers with much quicker results. The concept is simple: drive up, stay in your vehicle for the duration and let the testers come to you. For the cold days, drive-thru testing is provided in the heated drive-thru garage.
WyoLabs LLC is now open 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Call them directly for information or scheduling at (307) 299- 9170. The location provides one-hour rapid PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests, Antigen tests, antibody tests, and do-it-yourself kits available.
Four available tests
Rapid (15-minute) Antigen Testing. This is the cheapest and most convenient COVID 19 test on the market. Sensitivity and reliability are less than molecular (PCR) tests. It’s not currently allowed by OSHA in the mandate, according to WyoLabs LLC.
Send-In PCR Testing. Rated No. 1 test by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) for sensitivity. It has a 2-3 day turnaround, expedited company’s sister laboratory in Florida. More cost-effective compared to one-hour PCR and more accurate compared to Antigen Testing.
Rapid (one hour) PCR Testing. WyoLabs LLC says its useful when results are time-sensitive and still meet all requirements for OSHA. This is the fastest and most reliable testing available and is done in its Gillette laboratory. It can be used in conjunction with Antigen Testing for confirmation.
Do It Yourself Send in Kits are convenient and cost-effective. WyoLabs LLC says it is ideal for traveling or remote testing. Turnaround time is longer than Antigen and one-hour PCR testing. It must be collected under supervision and is currently allowed by OSHA in the mandate.
Visit WyoLabs LLC of Gillette’s for more information on Facebook.
The Wyoming Department of Health provides COVID-19 case, variant, death, testing, hospital and vaccine data online. The department also shares information about how the data can be interpreted. COVID-19 safety recommendations are available from the CDC.
